Stories of Self Defense

More IRS Agents Fire Their Weapons Accidentally Than Intentionally

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A few weeks ago we reported on the fact that IRS agents are now training with AR-15 style rifles. This concerned some lawmakers and citizens who saw the training as wasteful since the IRS has traditionally relied on the FBI and local law enforcement to serve high risk warrants.

Hopefully they will use those rifles better than they have used their other firearms in the past.

According to an article at CNSNews, an audit of IRS shootings found that between 2009 and 2011 IRS agents “accidentally” shot their firearms 11 times. Three of those incidents are described as possibly resulting in property damage or personal injury.

On the flip side, agents intentionally discharged their firearms a mere eight times during the same time period. That’s right, IRS agents are more likely to accidentally discharge their firearm than to fire it in the line of duty.

“When performing their duties, special agents carry firearms and are authorized to use deadly force to protect themselves and the public,” the report explains.

“Special training agents not properly trained in the use of firearms could endanger the public, as well as their fellow special agents, and expose the IRS to possible litigation over injuries or damages,” it warns.

The report further states,

TIGTA also found that firearm discharge incidents were not always properly reported and that remedial training was not always required after accidental discharges due to special agent negligence. Lastly, procedures for securing a firearm after a discharge are not adequate.

So, an agency which has proven issues keeping up with agent training and has more negligent discharges than legitimate ones is now training with semi-auto rifles? I feel safer already.